Beats Solo3 vs Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500

Beats Solo3 review
vs
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 review

Today I am going to introduce you to the comparison of two pairs of wireless headphones Beats Solo3 vs Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500. Their outlook is pretty different but they also have some things in common. For example, the considered devices are closed-back and on-ear.

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Features

The model Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 looks quite unusual and attractive. Speaking of technical features, the appliance has 32 Ohm of impedance and 92 dB of sensitivity. The range of its frequency response is 5 Hz - 20 kHz.

The benefit of Beats Solo3 is the voice control function. The mentioned headphones can be connected with different devices via Bluetooth. Both of them work with a rechargeable battery. However, the battery life is 40 hours in the case with Beats Solo3 and only 18 hours in the case with Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500. In addition, the charging time is 2 and 1.5 hours respectively. The device made by Beats has a speed charge option and is equipped with a battery level indicator. Both pairs of headphones have a battery-free listening mode.

Sound

The sound of Beats Solo3 is very crisp and clear, especially at higher volumes. The bass is pretty strong, which is no surprise, but it is not overpowering at all.

Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 provides a warm sound that works great with rock and rap music. The device has a slight U shaped tonal curve, which should please most listeners.

Comfort and design

Let's start with weight as this feature is an advantage of many on-ear headphones. Beats Solo3 has 215 and the other device is even lighter as it weighs only 155 g. Another important thing to mention is the length of the detachable audio cable that comes with both appliances. It is 130 cm long in the first case and 120 cm in the second case.

Like most on-ear headphones these devices have an adjustable headband. The portability of Beats Solo3 is better since it folds. A built-in microphone will let you make phone calls. For the control, you will have built-in buttons.

Beats Solo3 pros and cons

Beats Solo3 pros and cons

Pros

  • iPhone users will benefit from the W1 chip
  • The strong construction allows you to wear it even while on a workout or running outside as it helps the ear cups stay firmly in place
  • Available in a wide variety of colors

Cons

  • The clamping force may pose an issue for listeners prone to tension headaches

Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 pros and cons

Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 pros and cons

Pros

  • Sweat-resistant design
  • Powerful bass response matched with bright highs
  • Easy-to-operate controls
  • Has a generously cushioned memory foam headband and earpads for a comfortable fit over long listening periods

Cons

  • Slides off when head tilted back

Votes 2 2
Rating 3 3

Headphones comparison chart

Overall
Beats Solo3
6.1
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500
5.6
10
7
6
6
10
7
Beats Solo3

Beats Solo3 review

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Common

Product

Beats Solo3
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500

Model

Solo3
BackBeat FIT 500

Brand

Beats
Plantronics

Reviews

7971
388

General

Wearing style

on ear
on ear

Enclosure

closed back
closed back

Wireless

Wired

Specifications

Transducer

dynamic
dynamic

Driver size, mm/inches

40/1.5

Impedance, Ohm

32

Frequency response, Hz

5Hz-20KHz

Total harmonic distortion (THD), %

3

Sensitivity (SPL), dB

92

Magnet type

Weight (headphones), g/oz

215/7.5
155/5.4

Comfort

Adjustable headband

Foldable

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling

Adjustable noise cancelling level

Microphone

Built-in microphone

In-line microphone

Detachable microphone

Cables

Detachable cable

Audio cable length, cm/ft

130/4.2
120/3.9

Jack connection (TRS)

3.5
3.5

Balanced connection

Control

Built-in control buttons

In-line control

Touch control

Voice control

Siri

App control

Control functions

volume, answer/end, play/pause, next/previous track
volume, answer/end, play/pause, next/previous track, fast forward/rewind

Wireless connectivity

Bluetooth

Bluetooth version

4.1

aptX

aptX HD (Hi-Res Audio)

Bluetooth profiles

A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP

NFC

Wi-Fi

Battery

Battery type

rechargable
rechargable

Battery life, hrs

40
18

Charging time, hrs

2
1.5

Charging port

micro USB
micro USB

Charging cable

micro USB to USB-A
micro USB to USB-A

Speed charge

Battery free listening mode

Battery level indicator

Additional features

Water resistance

Light indication

Additional audio features

In the box

Audio cable

Carry case

Charging cable

1/4 Adapter (6,35 mm)

Interchangeable ear pads

User manual

Manual

Beats Solo3
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500
Beats Solo3
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500

Headphones HeadphonesArena comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 6.1
  • 5.6
  • 6.1Beats Solo3
  • 5.6Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500

The Beats Solo3 is better headphones in this comparison. Check Beats Solo3 price